THE latest example of an attack came when a fire crew was lured to an estate TWICE and bombarded with bottles and bricks.

The thugs dialled 999 after starting a rubbish fire and were waiting for the firemen at Kenyon Way, in Little Hulton, on Thursday.

But the crews - from Farnworth's green watch - had to leave the first fire when the hail of bottles and bricks made the job too dangerous.

When they were called out to the same estate again, a second crew had to be sent as back-up, as the firemen tackled the blaze at a safe distance from the yobs.

Nobody was hurt, but fire chiefs in Greater Manchester today condemned the attacks as "disgraceful" and "a sign of the times."

Nick Pynem, sub-officer at Farnworth fire station, said: "There was a gang of about eight teenagers aged 15 to 16 who were standing on an embankment waiting for us.

"The fire was just rubbish piled near a tree and it was obvious these lads just wanted a fight.

Mr Dixon said: "I think we've got to find a way of making sure this doesn't happen in the first place, through education, or if they do happen, through the courts and by making sure the legislation is in place which shows things like this won't be tolerated."